Going off insulin
I’m sure you’ve heard from lots of people already (I
get the emails in digest form and am quite a bit
behind!), but I wanted to reply to this, too. LOTS of
people go off insulin. Most, in fact. It takes
longer for some than others. I was taking close to
what you are and waqs taken off insulin at 3 months.
I’m 13 months now and haven’t improved my BGs from
that 3-month mark, but I’m still pretty low on the
borderline. It’s just something my doctor and I watch
carefully.
Theere are a couple of improtant points:
1) talk to your surgeon about this BEFORE your
surgery. Some people are taken off insulin in the
hospital! It will jsut depend on your readings.
2) Keep very close track of your BGs. Even if you’re
not religious about testing before and after every
meal now, please do it post-op, at least until your
BGs stabilize.
3) Make sure your endocrinologist knows what you’re
doing — stay in close contact with him or her. Some
endos like to be faxed weekly BG reports or will take
them over the phone; others just want you to contact
them if you see results outside of a pre-set range.
Make sure oyu know what that range is. Don’t expect
your surgeon to take care of this for you!
I bet you’ll do great!
***
I wonder if there is anyone out there that has gone
off insulin during the recovery time period. I am
insulin dependent type II and use about 150 units per
day. I have real concerns as to the loss of insulin
requirements and the effects of low blood sugars, If
any one can give me advise I’m totally receptive.